Made With Fireworks! Alexandria Mooney-Jones Opening Reception, July 6 at Tres Leches Art Gallery

Made with Fireworks! Art of Alexandria Mooney Jones

Opening Reception: July 6, 5 - 9pm

On view in July, Fridays 12-4pm, Saturdays 12-5pm

Tres Leches Art Gallery, Northrup King Building

Alexandria Mooney-Jones uses fireworks to create beauty and excitement on canvas. No paint...just fireworks! We celebrate this unique art form and are showcasing the work of the Firework Artist this July! Visit us this July First Thursday to discover the fun and magic behind the art.

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Artist statement:

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"Using only lit, burning fireworks, I begin each piece as part artist, part mad scientist. Fireworks as a medium are volatile and unpredictable. All techniques and processes are self-discovered. My first layer is the least controllable of my techniques. Reacting to that layer, I make decisions about composition, selecting areas to mask or burn. Color selection is vague; a “red” could present as burgundy, fire engine red or pink, depending on my distance to the canvas, as well as the dispersion rate. As the fireworks burn, organic dye is vaporized into colored smoke; depending on the technique I am attempting to achieve, the smoke is trapped or manipulated around and through things set on the canvas for different effects. Unexpected compositional effects, such as burn holes and singed areas, happen when the fireworks misfire or expel the contents onto the canvas in a ball of fire. Although unintentional, these incidents become part of my composition-you cannot erase a burn. I am attempting to control the uncontrollable. My work is at the mercy of explosives and fire. Fireworks, as a medium, create a tension that pits celebration against trauma. And in the strongest pieces, neither gives way to the other."

There will be an Artist Talk at 7pm during the July 6 Opening Reception.

 

Location: 

Tres Leches Art Gallery

Northrup King Building

Studios 171-173

1500 Jackson Street NE

Minneapolis, MN 55413 

35W Bridge Rainbow of Color Celebrates Pride Weekend

Submitted by Ric Rosow

Saturday night, June 24th, the 35W Bridge was a rainbow of colors for Pride Weekend celebrating the LGBTQ community. I photographed the bridge late that night.

35W Bridge Celebrates Pride Week by Ric Rosow

My daughter often kindheartedly chides me about how many photographs I actually need to take of the 35W bridge. The answer to that question is "more than I have right now." During any given year I am not here for every event the colors of the bridge celebrate. So I photograph the bridge when its colors celebrates an important occasion and when it looks particularly lovely. In addition, the skyline behind the bridge evolves and changes. Life is not static, nor is this city's skyline. It constantly changes and I want to turn each new look into a work of fine art.

You can see more of my work www.ricrosowphotography.com and Tres Leches Art Gallery. If you are interested in this photograph or another image I have on my website please DM me. #35WBridge  #Prideweek #Rainbowofcolors #Bridge #cityscape #minneapolis #sky #colorfullbridge #landscapephotography #ricrosowphotography #Treslechesartgallery #MNSmallBuisness #NEMAAMN #ShopLocalArtOnline #MeetMinneapolis #Mplsart #GiftArt #BestofNEMpls 

June 24 at the Mill City Farmers Market

New items in this weeks Mill City Farmers Market shopping basket: Juneberries from Prairie Hollow Farm, amaranth from Mhonpaj’s Garden, fennel from GVY Fresh Produce, spinach-based juice from Krishna’s Delight, raspberries from Green Earth Growers, Twilight Forest candle from PaChia Blooms, Turmeric Ginger Golden Milk Mix from Holistic Health Farms and Ginger Melon juice from Pure Ginger For You.

REMINDER: Vote for the Mill City Farmers Market in the USA Today 10 Best Farmers Market Readers Choice 2023. As of June 25, MCFM was in 4th place, but you can move them up to #1 by casting a vote everyday thru the end of this month. (Cool side note - the photo USA Today used for the MCFM was taken by Mill City Times!)

Thank you to the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Associaton (DMNA) for being a MCFM Sponsor.

You now have the option of purchasing a Krishna’s Delight drink in a bottle, which you can bring back and have refilled. I love this new option, because it's awkard for me to enjoy a drink in a cup while I'm pushing around a cart and taking photos. Now I can put a bottle of my favorite green juice in my cart to enjoy later at home.

First raspberries of the season!

Pam at Prairie Hollow Farm ceases to amaze me with the variety of items she offers. On this trip, I was introduced to Juneberries (the little orbs on the right that look like tiny blueberries) - incredibly sweet.

Gamut Gallory Announces Annual Open Call Exhibition, The Periphery of Power, July 15 - August 18

Gamut Gallory's annual Call-4-Work (C4W) exhibition is not a show that influences what art should be. Instead, the chosen guest curator brings their unique perspective and interpretation of the submitted works ranging the full “Gamut” of visual media. When Esther Callahan accepted the invite to curate this year’s C4W:2023, she went in as a blank canvas and let the artwork choose her, empowering the 254 artists to lead the way through all 1,076 submissions. Through our guest curator’s lens and perspective, this body of work presented the theme, The Periphery of Power.

This year’s group exhibit will feature 45 artworks from 44 artists, 33 of which have never been exhibited at Gamut Gallery. The pieces Callahan chose convey her vision of art as a vehicle of agency and power.

C4W:2023 Features: Andy Jacobs, Becky Roberts, Ben DiNino, Brian Britigan, Briana Auel, Brooke Bartholomew, Caitlin Rose, Christopher Jones, CL Martin, Daniel Allyn Lee, Desirée Forgét, Devin Newby, Dustin Steuck, Erin McKillip, Henry Tyson, Jennifer Chilstrom, Jess Eckerstorfer, Karen Caldwell, Kathryn Blommel, Kelly Helsinger, Kevin Bergkvist, Kristi Abbott, Lindsay Alsaker, Lorelei Beckstrom, Lucy Comer, Nick Kim, Nikolina Lazetic, Perci Chester, Peter Giebink, Renée Boynton, Samantha Rickner, Sarah Sosa, Sarah Swan-Kloos, Sarah Vanasse Miles, Sean Ferris, Sepia Edwards, Shalom Ukwesa, Shanna Allyn, Shea Maze, Steve King, Travis J Collins, Von Dickens Ulsa, Wil Natzel, Yvette Griffea-Gray

“Collectively the works are joyous and fierce, honest and intimate, encouraging a crowd-shared consciousness to sew together multiple narratives and channel a bit of revelry and reflection. Inspired by the importance of creating a space that originates from a need to delve into all sorts of wide-ranging, hot-topic issues, this exhibition references The Periphery of Power through love, social mores, gender, intimacy, beauty, materiality, maternity, and more.

This exhibition covers a range of artistic mediums, from highly detailed paintings rendered in acrylic on panels - paintings that complicate the relationship between artist and subject; beautifully emotional digital photography that denote resilience and resistance; to high fire stoneware ceramics whose visceral context embraces transformation in both the material and the conceptual.

Each selected piece is part of the fearlessly celebratory nature of the exploration of beauty, autonomy, representation, and desire, and serves as an homage to all the fragmented pieces of human beings and the central note that art has played within our collective history.” - Esther Callahan 

PUBLIC OPENING NIGHT - Saturday, July 15, 6-10pm 

• $10 pre-sale, $15 day of event, FREE for members
• Featuring 44 local and national artists, Icy Icy Baby Shaved Ice Truck & DJ Ramses
• Pre-sales available, entry will be available at the door

Returning this year, there will be two “Best in Show'' awards. One will be selected by the guest curator and the other by opening night attendees. Both winners will be awarded $100 cash and Platinum Memberships to Gamut Gallery ($400 value).

C4W:2023 The Periphery of Power ARTIST TALK - Thursday, Aug 3, 7pm

• $5 pre-sale, $10 day fo event, FREE for members
• Pre-sales coming soon
• Entry will be available at the door

C4W guest curator, Esther Callahan, moderates a conversation with CL Martin, Henry Tyson, Perci Chester, and Jessica Eckerstorfer; four artists featured in this year’s C4W:2023 exhibition, The Periphery of Power. Join us to learn about their processes, ideations, and perspectives on their bodies of work, and art as a whole.

Summer Markers Market - Saturday, July 29, 1-4pm • FREE

 Celebrate a summer day in our courtyard with amazing Twin Cities makers Alicia Speich, Jake Speich, Rock Johnsen, SNEW Ceramics, Third Daughter Restless Daughter, VCKSZ, and more! From functional glass art and cross-stitches to ceramics, jewelry, and home goods we guarantee you will not leave empty-handed.

MacPhail Center for Music is Hosting a Free Sounds of Summer Music Festival July 8 at Water Works Park

Event will feature performances by the Michael Cain Trio, J.D. Steele, other MacPhail faculty and students, plus Up Tempo! announcement 

Summer in Minnesota is the time to enjoy music in the parks and that is exactly what MacPhail Center for Music is doing as it hosts its second annual Sounds of Summer Music Festival on Saturday, July 8, from 3-7pm at Water Works at Mill Ruins Park, 425 West River Parkway.

This event, which is free and open to the public, is perfect for all ages and will feature rich, soulful and dynamic performances by MacPhail Center for Music students and faculty. Performances will include MacPhail’s premier percussion ensemble, RimShots!, student soloists and MacPhail’s Faculty Jazz Combo, followed by MacPhail’s Community Youth Choir led by Twin Cities legendary musician J.D. Steele, and headliner, the Michael Cain Trio, featuring Ted Olson and Angelo Stokes.

“We have such a vibrant music community in Minnesota, and this is one way to enjoy local music and celebrate the musicians – both well-known and established along with those who are upcoming,” said Paul Babcock, president and chief operating officer at MacPhail Center for Music. “We welcome everyone to this free and fun-filled summer event.”

In addition to listening to lively music on a summer afternoon, MacPhail Center for Music will be announcing Up Tempo!, its fundraising campaign. Up Tempo! is a $25 million fundraising campaign that will provide scholarships for children and youth, support vital new music programs and ensure access for all to MacPhail. The campaign has raised $19 million thus far and is in its final stretch of raising $6 million. 

“We have seen at MacPhail how music has the ability to transform lives and strengthen communities,” said Kyle Carpenter, MacPhail Center for Music Chief Executive Officer. “As the world experiences significant cultural and generation shifts along with music education funding challenges in schools, MacPhail Center for Music is committed to continuing its mission and increasing accessibility of music to anyone who wishes to experience the life-changing and transformational advantages of including music in their lives.”

Through its fundraising efforts, MacPhail Center for Music hopes to build on its legacy and provide even more robust music programs for the community. The funds raised will help by delivering unparalleled music learning by exemplary faculty to students of all backgrounds and abilities; developing compelling and diverse new programs through new curricula and teaching methods, and connecting students with the music most relevant to them; and broadening accessibility to ensure no student is ever turned away due to financial challenges. 

2023 Sounds of Summer Music Festival Schedule:

3-3:30pm - RimShots! MacPhail’s premier percussion ensemble

3:45-4:15pm - MacPhail Student Soloists

4:30-5:15pm - MacPhail Faculty Jazz Combo

5:30-6pm - MacPhail Community Youth Choir with JD Steele

6:00pm - Special MacPhail announcement

6:15-7pm - Michael Cain Trio

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Below are photos from the 2022 Sounds of Summer event:

June 17 at the Mill City Farmers Market

New items in this weeks Mill City Farmers Market shopping basket: Olive bread from Nistler Farms, shiitake from Northwood Mushrooms, zucchini from GVY Fresh Produce, pak choi and butter lettuce from Urban Roots, and dinosaur kale from Clover Bee Farm.

REMINDER: Vote for the Mill City Farmers Market in the USA Today 10 Best Farmers Market Readers Choice 2023. As of June 18, MCFM was in 4th place, but you can move them up to #1 by casting a vote everyday thru the end of this month. (Cool side note - the photo USA Today used for the MCFM was taken by Mill City Times!)

June 17 was Mississippi River Day at the MCFM, in partnership with Green Lands Blue Waters and the Sustainable Farming Association. The spotlight was on Kernza, a perennial grain and clean-water crop, with cracker samples from Perennial Pantry and examples of products derived from Kernza. You can check them out online at www.perennial-pantry.com. Don't be afraid to try something new!

Market Chef Nettie Colon made Kernza pancakes dusted with maple sugar from Horner's Corner and a Kernza salad with fresh market veggies.

Until strawberries are more abundant, you'll need to visit Andy at Twin Cities Berry Co. when the clock strikes 8a if you want to snag a quart or two!

Shepherd's Way meat case.

Annabella Sardelis of Indigo & Snow returned to the Market with a vibrant new palette.

Who knew a toothpick holder could be so darn adorable! From Tugi Enterprises.

Quite the production line at Banh Sizzle!

Don't forget to check out the MCFM merch at the info booth!

See more photos from the June 17th Mill City Farmers Market here (once there, you can drill down further by clicking on "Back to albums list" and then "Photostream" to view more).

Stone Arch Bridge Over Downtown East by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

Stone Arch Bridge Over Downtown East

The Stone Arch Bridge has a large impact on the Mill District of Minneapolis. It is a prime point of interest for people who live in this area, and an attraction that brings in people from all over the city and the larger metro area. This photograph is a blend of an image of the Stone Arch Bridge and a Cityscape image that captures the Mill District and more. The image of the Stone Arch Bridge was enlarged to about twice the images original size to emphasize the impact that bridge has on Downtown East and the Mill District.

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You can see more of my work, including other photographs of the Stone Arch Bridge, at ricrosowphotography.com.

Father Hennepin Bluff Park is Open!

Concerts will debut at the new stage in Father Hennepin Bluff Park on July 11

Father Hennepin Bluff Park reopened today, Thursday, June 15! A major renovation project built a new performance stage and attached bathroom building, completely redone paths and park entry plazas, and upgraded lighting, landscaping and stormwater management.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board sincerely appreciates everyone's patience while these upgrades were constructed over the last year, especially during the last two months when fencing remained in place to allow freshly planted grass and landscaping beds to establish before crowds return to the park.

The chain link fencing was removed today and people are encouraged to enjoy the renovated park. Temporary orange fencing remains in place to protect new plants, grass and garden beds. Do not go in areas that remain fenced off.

A celebration is planned to commemorate the completion of these exciting new park amenities and upgrades on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at 6:45 pm! Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board representatives will give brief remarks and host a ceremonial ribbon cutting before the first Music in the Parks concert on the new stage. Local R&B artist Barlow will perform, followed by a special movie outdoor movie screening of "The Upside" from the Twin Cities Black Film Festival.

Free weekly concerts will take place on the new stage next to Stone Arch Bridge throughout July and August. Movie screenings will follow concerts every other Tuesday through August: July 25 (The Italian Job), Aug. 8 (Hoodwinked) and Aug. 22 (Mr. Right).

Minne-Golf Tee’d Up for Downtown Thursdays

FREE 9-hole custom downtown Minne-Golf course

The mpls downtown council has announced that beginning this week (June 15), Downtown Thursdays will feature a free-to-play Minne-Golf putt-putt course on Nicollet between 6th and 7th Streets. Minne-golfers can get puttin’ each third Thursday of the month through September from 11:30am – 1:30pm.

Minne-Golf will feature nine custom-made holes, each representing an iconic location or experience related to mpls downtown. Holes will showcase downtown entertainment venues, famous buildings, the Stone Arch Bridge, sports teams, murals, skyways, our restaurant scene, and neighborhoods.

Plus, this weekend will feature more than 70 events downtown. It’s a great chance to get together and check out a Twins game at Target Field; concerts at Water Works Park, Loring Park, The Armory, and First Avenue; and Saturday is the ever popular Stone Arch Bridge Festival along West River Parkway.

BONUS! There will be a different prize every month for golfers to sign up for when they play. This month features a chance to win a $50 gift card to Hell’s Kitchen.

More Downtown activity info: https://www.mplsdowntown.com/guides_activities/summer/, and www.mplsdowntown.com/events.

Kolman & Reeb Gallery Announces Light Tales by Jil Evans: A Project Space Exhibition

Light Tales by Minnesota Artist, Jil Evans

A Kolman & Reeb Gallery Project Space Exhibition

June 17 - August 19, 2023 

Artist Reception: June 24, 6p–8p / Artist Talk: August 3, 6:30p–7:30p

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The Kolman & Reeb Gallery will take patrons on an immersive exploration of light and shadow with its next Project Space grantee exhibition,  Light Tales, by internationally known Minnesota artist, Jil Evans. With her dynamic and energetic style, Evans captures the essence of Minnesota’s seasons using video, a new medium for her, through light and shadow to reflect the inner experiences of our minds. By using the gallery space in a unique and captivating way, this show is sure to impress the contemporary and abstract audience the gallery appeals to most.

For over four decades, Evans has used her visual vocabulary to explore abstraction. Through her project space grant, she examines how light dances to mesmerize; how in solid form, it can stop movement with a sudden jolt; or how it travels in gentle, rhythmic waves to narrate a foreboding story. Evans' immersive experience displays light as it takes us to the limitless possibilities of infinity and then back to the microcosmic constraints of our imagination. From awestruck to heartbroken, light is the medium Evans uses to translate her inner realm of consciousness to the viewer.

“Like nothing we’ve exhibited before, Jil’s show will use the gallery’s space in a new and creative way,” says Anita Sue Kolman, Kolman & Reeb Gallery co-founder and co-partner. “We established our project space program so artists have the time and resources to explore their vision and talents. This show proves Jil has taken full advantage of her grant opportunity.”

Jodi Reeb, gallery curator and co-partner, comments on how, even as Evans uses this new medium of video to immerse the viewers, they will surely find her recognizable energy and style. "I'm excited to experience Jil's time-based narrative video to show us her inner world as she makes visible her connection to nature."

Jil Evans

Evans’ artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Her work is held in both private and public collections, including the Minneapolis Institute of Art and Walker Art Center. Evans has also participated in residencies and was a featured painter in the documentary film, Painting the Place Between.

Pillsbury A-Mill Artist Lofts Exhibit Artist Reception is June 22

Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate with the Pillsbury A-Mill Artists at the Artist Reception on Thursday, June 22nd from 5pm - 7pm

The A-Mill Arts Council invites you to experience the work of the Pillsbury A-Mill Artist Lofts residents in this first-ever exhibition. Creatives of all genres, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, fashion, digital media and more are being invited to show in their home gallery.

Exhibit hours are 10am to 7pm on June 17th in conjunction with the A-Mill Music and Art Fair. 

Volunteers will be onsite between the hours of Noon to 4 pm on the following weekends:  June 17-18, June 24-25, and July 1-2

Visit on Monday - Friday for the duration of the exhibition by appointment. Email amillartshow315@gmail.com to schedule your visit.

The exhibit will close on July 7th.

This exhibition is curated by guest curator Herman Milligan, Residents Wendy Frieze and Becca David. Sponsored by the A-Mill Arts Council

June 10 at the Mill City Farmers Market

New items in this weeks Mill City Farmers Market shopping basket: Nett Lake Wild Rice from Blue Hummingbird Woman, hazelnut flour from American Hazelnut Company, red popcorn and strawberries from Bean Market, garlic scapes and carrots from Prairie Hollow Farm.

REMINDER: Vote for the Mill City Farmers Market in the USA Today 10 Best Farmers Market Readers Choice 2023. As of June 11, MCFM was in 6th place, but you can move them up to #1 by casting a vote everyday thru the end of this month. (Cool side note - the photo USA Today used for the MCFM was taken by Mill City Times!)

Meet a New Vendor!

David Swenson of Swenwares Ceramics and Sound had a remarkable display of ceramics, both large and small, at the June 10th market. His work combines motifs from different cultures that have similarities in feeling or shape or theme.

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MCFM sponsor Minnesota Farmers Union treated shoppers to caprese cup samples prepared by Farmers Kitchen + Bar, featuring products from farmers at the market. 

Also happening during the June 10th market was the Juneteenth Jubilee: Sweet Potato Pie Showcase inside the Mill City Museum, paying homage to what is considered “the sacred dessert of Black culture.” Each participant received a prize bag courtesy of Nordic Ware and the Mill City Museum gift shop.

Second Saturdays at the market are a great time to bring the kids for story time, produce sampling (kids receive $2 market tokens) and Babycake’s Book Stack.

8:30am and 10am 60-minute Market Yoga classes are free to the public and take place on the lawn across West River Parkway.

The Bean Market had the first strawberries of the season.

Ward 3 Council Member Michael Rainville with Martha Archer, MCFM Executive Director.

Ceramic artist Christy Wetzig created mugs with the MCFM logo, available for purchase at the info booth.

Handy way to take items home from the market - in an insulated backpack!

See more photos from the June 10th Mill City Farmers Market here (once there, you can drill down further by clicking on "Back to albums list" and then "Photostream" to view more).

Courtyard Family Days at Mill City Museum

Museum will host free family-friendly activities in the ruin courtyard on select dates this summer

Mill City Museum is excited to welcome families to the Charles H. Bell Ruin Courtyard for free activities during Courtyard Family Days, taking place on three occasions throughout the summer. 

Courtyard Family Day: Stone Arch Bridge Festival

Saturday, June 17, 10 am–7 pm

Sunday, June 18, 10 am–5 pm

• Try out historic flour milling
• Make Father’s Day cards
• Photo op with the UCare Bicycle
• Add to the Stone Arch Bridge weave art
• Open Eye Puppet Theater’s Driveway Tour of Tucker’s Robot at 1 pm on Sunday 

Courtyard Family Days: Archaeology

Saturday, July 22, 10 am–2 pm

• Meet archaeologists
• Try an artifact challenge
• Discover the tools archaeologists use to find sites 

Courtyard Family Day: Mill Workers

Saturday, August 19, 10 am–2 pm

• Try your hand at moving flour sacks
• See workers’ equipment used in flour mills
• Play Figure This Out, an artifact challenge game
• Make a craft to take home

June 3 at the Mill City Farmers Market

New items in this weeks Mill City Farmers Market shopping basket: Golden beets and kohlrabi from GVY, peas from Clover Bee Farm, Buffalo Nuts (spicy peanuts) from Tare Market, beef from TanTum BlackHill Farm, pita bread from YummyTizers, Tokyo Bekana lettuce from Urban Roots, and maple sugar from Horner's Corner.

Meet 3 New Vendors!

James Raymond owns TunTum BlackHill Farm, a 40-acre enterprise in Webster. He debuted at the June 3rd market with beef,  duck, herbs and focaccia. James raises heritage breeds, all of which enjoy pastures free of pesticides and artificial fertilizers. For our first visit we chose the ground beef, but I plan to read up on how to properly prepare duck!

Below, Terry Daugherty of Wild Edge Woodworking holds one of her gorgeous creations. Photos do not do justice to her masterpieces, as you can't see the 3 dimensional inlays of river stones, flowers and geodes used in the creation of so many of them. We arrived at her booth around 8:30a and she had already sold a few pieces. Her next Market is July 1.

The third new vendor at the June 3rd Market was Nick Earl Pottery, who had an impressive array of pieces that are as beautiful and unique as they are functional. Whether you want to serve tea, display a fresh bouquet of flowers or enjoy a big ol' dish of ice cream, Nick has a piece to fit the need.

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Matt Oxford of Wild Run Salmon is back!

Looking for new ideas on what to do with the bags of produce and other ingredients you brought home from the Market? Find lots of recipes on the MCFM's website.

Nice market tote with lots of compartments.

You never know what kind of creative artist you might spot as you enter the Market! 

See more photos from the June 3rd Mill City Farmers Market here (once there, you can drill down further by clicking on "Back to albums list" and then "Photostream" to view more).

City of Minneapolis Community Connections Conference is Happening June 10th

The City of Minneapolis Community Connections Conference is an annual free event that connects residents of Minneapolis, community groups, neighborhoods and local government. The conference will run together with the Green Zone Summit for environmental justice.

Join your neighbors for:

• Exhibits from City departments, nonprofits and other government agencies.
• Fun activities including the Hennepin County Library mobile, a scooter track and a Lego robot exhibit from High Tech Kids.
• Workshops on many topics including renter’s rights, resources for survivors of domestic violence in immigrant communities, citizenship, climate action, drivers licenses for all, youth safety and many more.
• Performances from community artists.
• Lunch.
• Free booster and one-dose Pfizer vaccines against COVID-19, including $50 gift cards, toys and portable first aid kits to take home.

Performers

We'll be joined by artists Enia Kyle and Ifrah Mansour for poetry and spoken word, with dance from Holly (Miskitoos) Henning, Zack Red Bear, Lao Women Friendship Club Dance and Ballet Folklórico Mexico Azteca (pictured).

See the 2023 program and breakout session list online.

Multilingual video invitations

You can watch and share our conference invitation video featuring Council President Andrea Jenkins and Mayor Jacob Frey in five languages:

• You’re invited! Community Connections Conference 2023 (English).
• Waa lagu casuumay! Community Connections Conference 2023 (Somali).
• ¡Están todos invitados! Conferencia Community Connections 2023 (Spanish).
• Thov caw koj! Community Connections Conference 2023 (Hmong).
• Afeeramtaniittu! Yaa’ii walitti hidhamiinsa hawaasaa 2023 (Oromo).

Free rides to the conference

Thanks to conference partner Metro Transit, you can ride the bus or light rail for free to the Community Connections Conference Saturday, June 10. To use:

1. Download your Metro Transit pass online.

1. Save the pass to your mobile device or print it out. Hennepin County Library users can print their pass for free using their library card. Get more information about printing at the library on the Hennepin County Library website.

1. Show the pass to the driver or fare inspector for free rides from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. on conference day.

Plan your trip on the Metro Transit website.

Sign up for the conference

Minneapolis residents can sign up now for the free 2023 Community Connections Conference on June 10.

Community Connections Conference and Green Zone Summit
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 10
Check-in starts and exhibit hall opens at 8 a.m.
Minneapolis Convention Center, Hall A, Lower Level
Register in English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong or Oromo.

June 9-11 Double Discount Days at Mill City Museum and Other MNHS Sites

Save 20% on toys, jewelry, MNHS Press books and more!

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Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) members will save 20% on summer shopping – toys, jewelry, baking aids, books and more - during the summer sale, June 9-11. Find one-of-a-kind gifts at the Mill City Museum (as well as the Minnesota History Center and MNHS historic sites statewide).

Not a member? There are a number of membership options to choose from, and you can sign up to become a MNHS member when you visit the Museum. By doing so, your admission to the Museum will be free, plus you can take advantage of the 20% Discount Days in their store, featuring a well-curated array of unique and useful items!

Please note, the 20% discount does not apply to the membership fee.

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In addition to the Mill City Museum, Discount Days will be happening at these locations:

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Minnesota History Center

Charles Lindbergh House and Museum

Forest History Center

Historic Fort Snelling

James J. Hill House

Jeffers Petroglyphs

Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post

Minnesota State Capitol

Oliver Kelley Farm

Snake River Fur Post

Split Rock Lighthouse

Online

The Main Cinema Announces $5 Kids Tickets - All Day, Every Day!

Just in time for summer break, The Main Cinema, 115 SE Main Street, announces its new $5 all day, every day ticket price for kids 12 and under. Plan a family day at the theater to catch “The Little Mermaid,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” or one of many other fun films coming to the Main Cinema screens.

The Main Cinema is a newly renovated five-screen theater located in the historic St. Anthony Main complex on the banks of the scenic Mississippi River. This beautiful neighborhood theater has been updated with state-of-the-art sound and comfortable seating with lots of leg room. Delicious fresh popcorn, sweet snacks, and beverages (including beer and wine) are available.

The Main Cinema is open seven days a week. Youth tickets must be purchased at the box office. Street parking is available, or use the St. Anthony Parking Ramp, 201 Second Ave SE, with tunnel access just one block away. The Main is also on the Metro Transit bus line.

The Main Cinema is run by the MSP Film Society, the leading nonprofit exhibitor of the very best in international, independent, and mainstream Hollywood films. Annual memberships start at $60 per individual and $100 per dual. A student membership is only $20.

Downtown Field Day June 1 at The Commons - A Lot Happening!

As a kickoff to summer downtown, all workers, residents, and visitors are invited to participate in Downtown Field Day. Come to work, stay to play! Lawn games, friendly competitions, food trucks, giveaways, celebrity appearances, live music from local DJs will take place from at The Commons. Later in the day, enjoy happy hour with friends (beer for purchase for 21+) and a concert by local band, Bad Bad Hats.

This event is free and open to the public. Stop by throughout the day and enjoy all the festivities. For more information and to register your team to participate, please visit: https://www.mplsdowntown.com/fieldday.

June 1 Schedule: 

12pm – 2pm:  Celebrity meet-and-greets, including Twins great and Baseball Hall of Famer Tony Oliva, appearances by mascots T.C. Bear and Crunch, free coffee/treats form Caribou Coffee and JonnyPops, team competitions, yard games, custom Minne-Golf holes, food trucks, and music from DJ ESP.

2pm  - 4pm:  Open play at The Commons! Grab a late lunch at a food truck, relax in the park, participate in walk-up games, and enjoy the fresh air.

4 pm  - 6pm:  SKOL! Don your purple and meet legendary Viking alum Chuck Foreman and mascot Viktor Viking, and enjoy a performance by the Vikings SKOL Line,. Plus, more team competitions, food trucks, lawn games and music from DJ Keezy. Happy Hour beverages will be available for purchase starting at 4 p.m.

6 pm  - 7pm:  Free concert by local indie rockers Bad Bad Hats. Grab dinner from a food truck and a happy hour beverage while you play yard games and enjoy the show!

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The mpls downtown summer campaign is supported in partnership with Pohlad Companies, Target, U.S. Bank, Thrivent, mpls downtown council, Delta Dental, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Lynx, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sleep Number, the City of Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, and many more. 

May 27 at the Mill City Farmers Market

New items in this weeks Mill City Farmers Market shopping basket: Tomatoes from GVY, brioche from Baker's Field, Herbal Foot Soak from Spoon and Theory Handmade, radishes from Clover Bee Farm, cheese curds from Cosmic Wheel Creamery, chocolate chip cookies from Blackberry Bakery, and Hazelnut Snackers from American Hazelnut Company (they're a yummy snack on their own, but also great on a salad or mixed with popcorn).

There was one new vendor at the Market this week, and that was Minneapolis Mehndi & Henna. Fortunately for them (but not me) they were so busy with customers that I didn't get to meet them in person. They are scheduled to return to the MCFM on July 1, so better luck then!

Mill City Cooks welcomed Guest Chef Sina Pleggenkuhle, who made Cambodian hot pot (Yao Hon). The beautiful sauce simmers for hours, and you can customize individual servings with veg, noodles, etc. 

A little kiddo enjoying a Saint Pops ice pop - they really hit the spot on a sunny morning at the Market.

It's not possible to capture just how long the line for Solomon’s Bakery gets every Saturday (except by drone, I guess). In this photo you can only see the people backed up to the Guthrie side wall - what you don't see is the line snaking around to the front of the building and down along to its front entry!

I loved this little girls dress - so appropriate for the Market! :)

Arugula is my favorite green, and Burning River Farm is my go-to source for it.

See more photos from the May 27th Mill City Farmers Market here (once there, you can drill down further by clicking on "Back to albums list" and then "Photostream" to view more).

Posters for Parks 2023 - Call for Artists is Open Thru June 16!

The Posters for Parks Call for Artists is now open!

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The Minneapolis Park Foundation is once again recruiting artists, designers, and illustrators for their 8th annual poster show. All that’s needed is your name, email, and links to three examples of your best work. A jury will choose 40-45 artists to participate.

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If you are interested in participating, complete the Call for Artists application by Friday, June 16.